WordValeabashed
embarrassed or ashamed
In more detail
1. (adjective) feeling embarrassed or ashamed, especially because something unexpected or humiliating happened
Examples
- 1. She looked abashed when everyone turned to stare at her after she dropped her phone.
How to use abashed
Abashed describes a state of embarrassment or shame, often caused by an unexpected situation or social mishap. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to the more common 'embarrassed', and often implies a visible display of discomfort such as blushing or stammering. It is frequently used in narratives and descriptive writing.
Common phrases
- feel abashed
- look abashed
- appear abashed
- abashed smile
- abashed silence
Synonyms
embarrassed · ashamed · discomfited · mortified · flustered
Opposites
composed · unabashed · unfazed
Word family
abash (verb) · abashment (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse abashed with 'brash' or use it when they mean 'rash' or 'bold', likely due to sound similarity; abashed means the opposite of bold or confident.
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